'Alarming' diets of Scottish children revealed in first study in 15 years

Children’s diets in Scotland are “extremely concerning” with almost all children consuming too much sugar, according to the first study of its kind in 15 years.

Only 8% of children meet the recommended Scottish Dietary Goal for free sugars – those added to food and drinks, and those contained within honey, syrup, and fruit juice, it was revealed.

The Dietary Intake in Scotland’s Children (DISH) survey involved 1,700 children aged between two and 15 years old.

Asked about what they eat and drink, the kids’ answers revealed the “nation’s poor diet, with the very real consequences”, said the chair of the country’s food watchdog.

Heather Kelman, boss of Food Standards Scotland, said the findings from the report were “extremely concerning” but “sadly not surprising”.

Key Findings

Children in the most deprived areas consuming less fruit and vegetables and less likely to meet fibre goals than those in the least deprived areas
Food insecurity impacts nearly one in five families, with rates much higher in Scotland’s most deprived areas
Only 8% of children meet the recommended Scottish Dietary Goal for free sugars
Adolescents aged 11 to 15 consume diets significantly higher in free sugars and lower in fibre compared to younger children

The survey, the first of its kind in a decade, is to help to shape policy on diet and support the Scottish Government’s ambition to halve childhood obesity by 2030.

However, the findings revealed that food and drinks high in fats, sugar and salt are accounting for an unhealthy amount of children’s diets in Scotland.

The ability to buy affordable, nutritious food is impacting one in five families, and children are exceeding maximum recommendations for energy density and free sugars – with diets commonly falling short of fibre and other essential nutrients.

The survey also showed that socioeconomic disparities are evident, with children in the most deprived areas found to be consuming less fruit and vegetables, and are less likely to meet fibre goals.

Adolescents aged between 11 and 15 consume significantly higher free sugars and foods lower in fibre compared to younger children.

Ms Kelman has urged the Scottish Government to find a solution before the health of future generations is “jeopardised”.

“A key question now is how many ‘wake up calls’ do we need before we start to seriously address this and take immediate action to improve our food environment and make it easier for families to access affordable, healthy food,” she said.

“Foods and drinks high in fats, sugar and salt account for an unhealthy amount of our children’s diets. Urgent action is needed by industry and government to shift the dial if we are to make real progress towards the Scottish Government’s ambition to halve childhood obesity by 2030. Without this, we risk jeopardising the health of future generations growing up in Scotland.”

Alana McDonald, senior public health nutritionist at Food Standards Scotland, said: “The findings highlight an important need to address poor diets in Scotland’s children and young people.

“Although the survey shows that some children’s diets partially meet recommendations, the findings highlight critical areas that require attention, especially in reducing intakes of sugar and energy-dense foods while increasing intake of fibre, fruits, and vegetables, particularly in more deprived areas.

“The food industry, policymakers and investors all have a major role to play in improving our diet and reducing diet-related inequalities, and the scale and urgency of the changes needed will require collaboration across all parties.

“Creating a healthier food environment by ensuring affordable, nutritious options are always available where we live, work, and learn is the most effective way to reduce inequalities, promote longer, healthier lives, and safeguard the health of future generations.”

The survey was carried out by the Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems at the University of Edinburgh and Taylor McKenzie Research and Marketing, on behalf of Food Standards’ Scotland.

Professor Lindsay Jaacks from the University of Edinburgh said: “We are so grateful to the nearly 2,000 families across Scotland who participated in this survey.

“Findings suggest that younger children are generally consuming enough essential vitamins and minerals, but too much sugar and salt. Adolescents, on the other hand, are not generally consuming enough of some key vitamins and minerals like iron, and get about a fifth of their calories from discretionary foods like soft drinks and confectionery.

“There are many opportunities for the food industry to support children and young people in meeting dietary goals especially by reducing the sugar and salt content of commonly consumed foods like breakfast cereals, bread and yoghurts.”

The Scottish Government called on the UK Government to deliver an “essentials guarantee” – an uplift in Universal Credit benefit to ensure claimants can afford basic necessities.

A spokesperson said: “Food insecurity is driven by insufficient and insecure household income which is why the 2025-26 draft budget continues to allocate over £3bn a year to policies, including the Scottish Child Payment, which tackle poverty and the cost of living.

“Because we recognise the pressures on household budgets, we continue to call on the UK Government to deliver an essentials guarantee, which the Joseph Rowntree Foundation estimate could lift 140,000 people in Scotland out of poverty this year.”